Last flu season was the worst in the last 40 years. According to the American Center for control and prevention of diseases, the disease killed about 80,000 people. And that is 10,000 occasions more than from a drug overdose.
Why you need vaccinations?
Influenza is not the common cold. This is a serious disease that annually takes the lives of thousands. And nobody is safe, and everyone’s susceptible. With the exception of people who did vaccinations: according to who, the effectiveness of today’s vaccines are up to 90%.
Who is at risk?
All people are susceptible to influenza, but children and the elderly are more likely to develop complications. Especially for babies under two years: at this age the immune system is still underdeveloped.
In addition, they are unable to describe symptoms such as sore throat, body aches, and headaches. As a result, children are often a high fever that can cause seizures or convulsions. But because nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and poor appetite are at risk of dehydration. The symptoms may intensify certain diseases: asthma, cystic fibrosis, heart disease, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, diabetes, etc.
According to statistics, up to 20,000 children annually hospitalitynet because of the flu.
How to protect your baby?
Children and adults should get vaccinated before the season starts disease – this usually occurs in late October. The vaccinations are free for the entire season, while the vaccine remains in stock. Children from 6 months to 8 years require two doses. Starting next season, it will be enough one.
Like any other vaccine, this tool does not guarantee 100% of the effect. However, even if a child gets sick, the flu will pass it is much easier and faster to finish.
Also, you should teach your children frequently wash hands with soap and water, cover mouth while coughing, and avoid those who are already sick.
And if he does get sick?
Limit contact with other people. The child will no longer be contagious when the fever goes down and will not last at a normal level for 24 hours.
Remember that rest and plenty of fluids are as important as medication. Therefore it is necessary to lie down for a few days at home, have a marathon of watching the series, read a bunch of good books and drink lots of warm tea.
Well, consult a doctor, of course. How to find a good specialist, explain in the article “7 signs of a good doctor”.